Karuizawa’s Annual Climate and Best Season: How to Enjoy Each Season

Introduction

Japan is famous for its four distinct seasons, each offering breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences. No matter which season your trip to Japan is, Karuizawa should definitely be on your Japan itinerary. Known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, mild summers, stunning fall foliage, and snowy winter landscapes, Karuizawa is the perfect year-round destination.

In this Karuizawa travel guide, we’ll explore:

• Karuizawa’s seasons and weather throughout the year
• Top Karuizawa sightseeing spots for each season
• What to wear for the most comfortable experience

Whether you want to see cherry blossoms in spring, escape Japan’s summer heat, enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage, or go skiing in winter, Karuizawa has something for every traveler.

Why is Karuizawa a popular travel destination?

Located in Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa is a charming resort town known for its cooler climate, outdoor activities, and relaxing atmosphere. Often compared to other popular day trips from Tokyo—like Nikko, Hakone, Enoshima, and Kamakura—Karuizawa stands out as a premium retreat destination, offering nature, shopping, and luxury experiences.

Historically, Karuizawa was a summer escape for Tokyo’s elite, but today, it’s a popular year-round destination for travelers looking to experience Japan’s four seasons in a picturesque setting. However, Karuizawa isn’t your typical tourist trap; it’s actually one of the most popular travel destinations for Japanese residents as well, making it a great place for someone who wants to travel like a local!

How to get to Karuizawa?

Getting to Karuizawa from Tokyo is fast and convenient, making it an excellent day trip or a weekend getaway.

By Shinkansen (bullet train):

• Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station
• Travel time: Around one hour
• Cost: Starting at 5,500 JPY one-way
• Tip: Book a JR Pass if you plan to travel more around Japan

One of the best parts of traveling by train in Japan is eating an ekiben—a delicious bento box sold at train stations. Try a Nagano specialty ekiben with locally sourced ingredients on your way back!

Besides the Shinkansen, you can also take a bus if you are traveling on a budget or drive a car if you want to travel at your own pace or with family. For a more detailed guide on transportation, check out our Complete Guide to Karuizawa: Comparison of Shinkansen, Bus, and Car.

Now, let’s see how best to enjoy Karuizawa in all four seasons.

Karuizawa in spring

Spring in Karuizawa is a magical time, with cherry blossoms in full bloom and a refreshing climate. While Kyoto and Tokyo attract large crowds for hanami (flower viewing), Karuizawa offers a more peaceful and intimate cherry blossom experience surrounded by nature.

Best places to see cherry blossoms in Karuizawa

• Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza – Many cherry blossom trees have been planted in the areas around the outlet, providing excellent hanami opportunities before and after you shop.
• Yagasaki Park – Just a 10-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, this park features beautiful sakura trees with blossoms of varying hues.
• The Old Usui Pass Gazebo – Situated 1,200 meters (about 3,900 feet) above sea-level, it offers panoramic views of cherry blossoms with a mountain backdrop.

For a full guide to cherry blossoms in Japan and the proper hanami etiquette, check out our guide to the essential items and manners for hanami parties here!

What is the weather like in Karuizawa in spring?

• March to May: Temperatures gradually warm up, but nights remain chilly.
• Daytime: 10–18°C (50–65°F)
• Nighttime: 0–10°C (32-50°F)

What to wear in Karuizawa in spring

• Light jacket or sweater during the day
• Warm coat for the evening
• Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing

Karuizawa in summer

Unlike Tokyo’s hot and humid summer, Karuizawa remains cool and refreshing, making it a popular summer retreat for those looking to escape the city heat. This is the perfect time to explore nature, indulge in outdoor activities, and enjoy summer festivals.

Best places to visit in Karuizawa in summer

• Shiraito Falls – A scenic waterfall perfect for a summer hike.
• The Old Usui Pass Gazebo – Stunning views of the verdant landscape and surrounding mountain ranges.
• Karuizawa Lake Garden – Ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Outdoor activities in Karuizawa

• Hiking and cycling – Explore Karuizawa’s many nature trails.
• Tennis – Even the Emperor of Japan is known to play tennis in Karuizawa!

Looking for more ideas? Check our Karuizawa summer travel guide with all of our recommended summer spots in Karuizawa!

What is the weather like in Karuizawa in summer?

• June to August: Warm but comfortable with cool evenings.
• Daytime: 20–26°C (68-79°F)
• Nighttime: 12–18°C (54-64°F)

What to wear in Karuizawa in summer

• Light, breathable clothing for the day
• A light jacket for the cooler evenings
• Comfortable shoes for outdoor activities

Karuizawa in autumn

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Karuizawa, as the town transforms into a vibrant landscape of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Many travelers like Karuizawa specifically for its autumn foliage, making it a great alternative to Nikko, which tends to get overcrowded.

Best spots to see autumn leaves in Karuizawa

• Kumoba Pond – One of the most famous autumn spots in Karuizawa, with vibrant reflections in the water.
• Usui Pass – Offers a panoramic view of colorful mountains.
• Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort – Before the ski season starts, the resort is a great spot to see autumn leaves.

The peak fall foliage season is between late October and early November. This is the most colorful and photogenic time.

Karuizawa vs. Nikko: Which is better for fall foliage?

Like Karuizawa, Nikko, a historic city 140 km north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, famous for its shrines and temples nestled in a scenic mountainous landscape, is also a popular tourist destination. But which one is best for fall foliage?

• Karuizawa: Less crowded, easier access from Tokyo, and has upscale shopping and cafes.
• Nikko: More dramatic landscapes, but larger crowds and longer travel time.

Relax in an onsen in autumn

Karuizawa is also home to many onsen (hot springs). The cool autumn air makes Karuizawa’s onsen even more relaxing. Some of the best onsen include:

• Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu – A famous outdoor onsen surrounded by nature.
• Karuizawa Prince Hotel’s onsen facilities – Karuizawa Prince Hotel operates several hot springs in the area, perfect for a luxury onsen experience after shopping at the mall. Some are only available to hotel guests, so check in advance.

What is the weather like in Karuizawa in autumn?

• September to November: Crisp and cool with mild afternoons.
• Daytime: 10–20°C (50-68°F)
• Nighttime: 5–10°C (41-50°F)

What to wear in Karuizawa in autumn

• Light jacket or sweater for daytime
• Warmer coat for cooler evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes for autumn foliage viewing

Karuizawa in winter

Is Karuizawa worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely! Karuizawa in winter offers a charming snowy landscape, excellent ski resorts, and relaxing hot springs. Unlike other ski destinations in Japan, Karuizawa is easily accessible from Tokyo in just about an hour, making it a great choice for a winter getaway.

If you want to experience winter in Japan but don’t have time to visit Hokkaido or Nagano’s larger ski resorts, Karuizawa is the perfect alternative for a quick winter escape.

Karuizawa snow and skiing

Karuizawa is one of the earliest places in Japan to open its ski season, thanks to artificial snow at Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort. This makes it a great option for families, beginners, and those who want a convenient skiing experience near Tokyo.

Best spots to ski in Karuizawa

• Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort – The most famous ski resort in Karuizawa, offering well-maintained slopes, ski rentals, and easy access from Karuizawa Station. It’s great for beginners and families.
• Takamine Mountain Park – Located farther from central Karuizawa, this resort is known for powder snow and a more advanced skiing experience.

If you’re not into skiing, you can still enjoy winter activities like:

• Sipping hot chocolate at Karuizawa’s stylish cafés
• Ice skating at Karuizawa Ice Park
• Snowshoe tour: snow forest exploration at the base of Mount Asama

If you want to enjoy the festive season, we recommend Christmas markets and winter illuminations. Luckily, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza offers both! You could also visit Shiraito Falls to see the Winter Shiraito Falls Illumination! It’s a great spot for a romantic date on Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

Oshōgatsu (New Year’s time, early January) is another special time to visit. In Japan, people traditionally visit shrines to celebrate New Year’s and Karuizawa has plenty to offer on that front as well!

How cold does Karuizawa get in winter?

Winter in Karuizawa is cold but not extreme, making it more manageable than places like Hokkaido.

• December to February: Expect cold days and freezing nights.
• Daytime: 0–5°C (32-41°F)
• Nighttime: -10 to -5°C (14-23°F)

Snowfall varies, with light snow covering the town in most years, but ski resorts rely on snow machines to ensure good conditions.

What to wear in Karuizawa in winter

• Heavy winter coat or down jacket
• Thermal layers (especially at night)
• Gloves, scarf, and hat
• Waterproof shoes or boots (especially if visiting ski resorts)

Relax in an onsen after a cold day

One of the best ways to enjoy Karuizawa in winter is by soaking in a natural hot spring. Just as in autumn, Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu and Karuizawa Prince Hotel offer excellent winter onsen experiences:

• Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu – A traditional onsen surrounded by beautiful winter scenery.
• Karuizawa Prince Hotel’s onsen facilities – Perfect for relaxing after skiing at the Prince Ski Resort.

Indoor attractions and architecture in Karuizawa

While Karuizawa is best known for its scenic outdoor activities, it also offers plenty of indoor attractions, making it a great destination even on rainy or cold days.

For art and culture lovers, Karuizawa has several renowned museums and art galleries that showcase both traditional and contemporary works.

Karuizawa’s architecture is also quite unique as it is a blend of Western and Japanese influences, reflecting its history as a retreat for foreigners and Tokyo’s elite. You can see old churches built by missionaries in the Meiji era (1868-1912) or wooden hotels when strolling around Karuizawa.

Karuizawa is also a fantastic shopping destination, offering everything from luxury brands to local artisan goods. The Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, located right next to Karuizawa Station, is one of Japan’s largest outlet malls, featuring international fashion brands, Japanese designer boutiques, and tax-free shopping.

For a more unique shopping experience, visit Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, a charming shopping district with traditional souvenir shops, trendy cafés, and specialty stores selling local delicacies, handmade crafts, and high-end homeware. This is the best place to shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs in Karuizawa!

When to avoid visiting Karuizawa

While Karuizawa is a great destination year-round, certain periods may be less ideal for some travelers. June to early July marks Japan’s tsuyu (rainy) season, bringing frequent showers, though Karuizawa remains cooler and less humid than Tokyo. August to September is typhoon season, which can lead to occasional strong winds and rain, impacting outdoor activities. If you prefer avoiding crowds, Golden Week (late April to early May) is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods, making hotels, trains, and popular attractions much more crowded. For a quieter and more enjoyable visit, consider planning your trip outside these peak times.

Final thoughts: when is the best time to visit Karuizawa?

Karuizawa is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique experience. Whether you’re planning a short one day trip from Tokyo or looking to relax and enjoy nature for a couple of days, Karuizawa is a great addition to your Japan holiday itinerary.

Seasonal highlights in Karuizawa:

• Spring – Cherry blossoms at Kumoba Pond and scenic nature walks.
• Summer – A refreshing retreat from Tokyo’s heat, with outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and beer gardens.
• Autumn – Stunning fall foliage, onsen experiences, and scenic drives.
• Winter – Skiing, hot springs, illumination, and a magical snowy landscape.

In general, summer and autumn are the most popular seasons for travelers from Tokyo.

All-year-round activities:

• Museums and art galleries
• Shopping

Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or a traveler looking for a relaxing getaway, Karuizawa has something to offer in every season.